Fiat Linea Classic launched

More is always more, according to Fiat. If you can buy a proper, full-sized sedan for the price of a premium hatchback, why shouldn't you buy one? That's exactly the question Fiat's posing with the new Linea 'Classic'.

Yes, that Classic tag fulfills the same purpose that it does for the old Ford Fiesta, now known as the Ford Classic. Essentially, the Linea Classic is the current car making way for the incoming facelift which is expected to be here soon. So you know this is a more meaningful launch than one of those "throw-in-some-floormats-here, some-new-seat-covers-there" refreshes.

The cut-price Linea is available with a 1.4-litre, four-cylinder petrol that makes 89bhp and 115Nm of torque, and a 1.3-litre Multijet diesel motor - the one with the fixed geometry turbo - so it only makes 75bhp and 197Nm of torque here. A five-speed manual gearbox comes standard.

There are a total of three variants - the petrol gets only one variant, the Classic, whereas the diesel gets Classic as well as Classic + variants. In 'Classic' trim, you get bare essentials like a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, power windows and an aircon. And that's about it.

If you want other features like central locking, a rear defogger, a music system, fabric seats and wheel covers (yes, even those are available on the top-of-the-line model only), you have to opt for the Classic +. And even though it does get ABS, you don't get airbags, not even as an option.

Fiat says the Classic is the longest car at it price, and at Rs 5.99 lakh for the petrol Classic, Rs 6.96 lakh for the diesel Classic and Rs 7.49 lakh for the diesel Classic + (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi), there's no doubting that claim. Even at that price, it commands a fairly substantial premium over the Maruti DZire, the Honda Amaze. It is way bigger than both of them, yes, but is the extra money really worth all that real estate?